Lesson 2 - Explanations for Conformity

Question 1

Conformity Theory

Answer 1

Deutsch and Gerrard (1955)
Theory explaining why people conform
Two reasons:
Normative and Informational Social Influence

Question 2

Normative Social Influence

Answer 2

Fundamental need for social approval and acceptance
Avoid behaviour making others reject/ridicule us
People like those who are similar thus conformity being an effective way to fit in with a group

Leads to compliance
Change in public but not private

Question 3

Informational Social Influence

Answer 3

Fundamental need to be right and have accurate perception of reality
Make objective tests against reality but if not possible then rely on opinion of others
Occurs when situation is ambiguous or expert present

Internalisation
Change in public and private

Question 4

Conformity Evaluation
Asch (1951)
Positive

Answer 4

Asked participants to say which of three test lines was same as standard
Naive participants in groups with all confederates who purposely gave the same wrong answer even though right answer was obvious
33% of participants conformed
1% chance of genuine mistake
Confirmed due to normative social influence
Debriefing - worried about being ridiculed

Question 5

Conformity Evaluation
Jenness (1932)
Positive

Answer 5

Participants estimate amount of beans in a jar
Each made individual estimate first then answer as group
Found in a group all answers were relatively close even though previously estimates were very different
Informational social influence
Ambiguous situation thus looking to be right

Question 6

Conformity Evaluation
Sherif (1935)
Positive

Answer 6

Autokinetic effect - small spot of light in a dark room appearing to move even though it is still
Individually participants estimated varied of spot movement
Put into manipulated groups (2 similar, 1 different estimate)
Found person who was different conformed
Informational social influence

Question 7

Conformity Evaluation
McLeod (2007)
Negative

Answer 7

Third explanation for conformity - Ingratiational Conformity
Similar to Normative Social Influence but group influence does not lead to conformity
Motivated by need to impress or gain favour rather than fear of rejection

Question 8

Conformity Evaluation
Dispositional Factors
Negative

Answer 8

Dispositional factors also impact conformity
Internal locus of control leads to less conformity than external locus of control
Normative and informational social influence cannot explain this
Locus of control refers to extent to which someone believes they have control over their own behaviour

Question 9

Conformity Evaluation Points

Answer 9

Asch (1951) Positive
Jenness (1932) Positive
Sherif (1935) Positive
McLeod (2007) Negative
Dispositional Factors Negative